Axial Racing Capra Trail Buggy Review, Motor Suggestions & Rock Course Test - Holmes Hobbies

There was a lot of speculation as the Axial Racing Capra was released, one being would this new rig be any good? There was lots of talk, but now we have the Capra in hand, it’s built and we’re ready to put it through the paces. In this video John reviews the important points you need to know about this rock racing/ rock crawler buggy. One of the bigger questions he may help you with is motor and gearing selection. This is one of the most talked about subjects on the Capra and John will give you some selections to think about. But that’s not all. In this video, the Axial Capra is put through the paces on the Holmes Hobbies Rock Course. Can this buggy handle the roughest sections on the course? Does it have enough wheel speed? Is there any noticeable torque twist? John gives you his impressions as he drives the course. This is one Axial Capra video you can’t miss.
Products Mentioned
Motors: holmeshobbies....
ESC: holmeshobbies....
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Website: HolmesHobbies....
#HolmesHobbies #AxialRacing #AxialCapra

[@Lex-Rex]

I do a lot of real life crawling and width is your friend. I run 42" on my rig and there is not much I cannot get over. I have been wanting an R/C crawler for a while now, and this is the one. It almost looks like mine in real life.

[@matmac7950]

How do you like your Capra now I love mine

[@belair64]

I'm really digging my Capra so far. Running a Mamba micro with a 1500kv outrunner and a 12t pinion.

[@JDMJDK]

I love that you threw the old Skool AX3 remote in for a twist. I just put your 3300kv Puller Pro stubby sensored and Mamba X in my OG SCX10 Rubicon with same radio. Lol! Awesome!!!

[@rcmakingtracks18]

Wow, great video. Had no idea what you were talking about in the beginning, but love the Capra. Saving hard at the mo. Thanks for sharing. John

[@adyjw33]

John is like the Bob Ross of RC!!

[@danielfix7871]

My thoughts exactly

[@M3ak22]

no way, i just said the same thing!

[@00godlovesus]

Lol good one! Iloveyour moves john

[@etanthegreat138]

I'm not the only one who thought that.

[@ORflycaster]

I was thinking the Sham-wow guy after that into.

[@kylethatcher5828]

I've had mine for about 2 weeks. i've been using a revolver 540 v2 1800kv with the sidewinder 4. i absolutely love it. it runs great, has awesome low speed control, and tons of torque.

[@davidnguyen1216]

I just otdered your sport in 16t into mine with the 2n1 spektrum 40a. So far works great with 1.6hrs on 2200mah 1.2 on 1800mah . Love it

[@balee7774]

Texas Crawler here. KLR voodoos are grat on smoother terrain, but the hyrax provide a little more clearance for the belly and high centers less. The Front wheel drive dig function helps lean it over.

[@ryanavery7705]

I’m in Tampa Florida. Lots of bridge rock crawling. Just picked up my 3rd HH motor for my new Capra! Can’t wait.

[@neilfield3229]

Probably the best guy that talks well through testing the rc cars talks sense

[@HolmesHobbies]

thank you sir!

[@davidaarons2488]

Hello from Fl. Thanks for the tips as my wife is building her first rc kit (Capra). Have a good idea of electronics now. God Bless Ya Dave & Tammy

[@moistavocado2350]

I don't own a Capra, but a buddy let me have a go on his today and I might just have to pick one up! Definitely an impressive rig.

[@deusexaethera]

I would be really interested to see a comparison between the Capra and the RR10, since they have comparable ground clearance achieved through different design choices.

[@fozzy71111]

this will most likely be my first crawler next spring, unless I get the new scx24 first to play with indoors this winter.

[@joshuagregg1026]

Central Montana guy here. Waiting for my Capra to show up. It’ll have Hyraxs to start with .225 SLW hubs on some VP Methods. I’ll be running a BXR ESC with a Reedy Radon 16T motor and a Shift RC servo.

[@trailcrawler2038]

I love my Capra! I pre-ordered through my LHS and ended up having to gut another rig to get this up and running. Out of the box it was very good. I swapped out shocks (100mm Desert Lizards w/50wt oil) and like how it sits (level links) and can articulate better than with the stock shocks. Still tuning and testing. I currently run Rock Beast 4.55, but have some Ottsix KLR/M in 4.75 on the way. I did go with an Axe 2300k (since that was in my other rig). I'll be replacing what I took with a Holmes motor (as I have in my other crawlers).

[@etanthegreat138]

What we have ihe is some happy rock crawling! GREAT VIDEO! I've used your products for many years now! I have a kit coming and can't wait to put my favorite brushed esc in it. The brxl! Keep up the good work. Happy trails

[@STEVOD313]

I bought mine yesterday n planing on putting my first holmes hobby electronics in it

[@Tech-NO-City]

How did that turn out?

[@kyleross1214]

Love the video John! Lots of good information and I love the paint job. Looks cool man. Can't wait to get all my Holmes electronics in mine when I get time to build it lol. Work has been so busy and working late has cut in on my play time lol. Me and my dad own a tire/mechanic shop so my work seems to never end lol.

[@jeffanderson2491]

Great video and review John. Big fan of your product line. Look forward to your next video.

[@rcr0ck]

G'day from Australia 🤟 I work in a quarry so I see rocks all day every day 😏. I have a scx10ii and a umg10 both very capable, next will definitely be a Capra, your video sold me so just waiting for it to come out over here👍

[@russ350r]

I recently installed HH motors in my nephew's trucks. A trailmaster sport / hw 1080 in the deadbolt and a 380 revolver / micro x crawler edition in the Barrage Gen 2. I have been running Tekin RX4 / Roc412 setups in my deadbolt and VS4-10. After getting my first taste of the HH motors, they will be my go to motors from now on. Now just have to wait for the Magnums to be back in stock.

[@HolmesHobbies]

We really had a run on magnums suddenly, what would normally last a few months got bought out in a week. Caught with my pants down, it will be a few months until we get more inventory.

[@russ350r]

@@HolmesHobbies May have to start with a 16T CM Expert if I can't wait for the Magnum. What do you suggest for motor timing?

[@blackbirdrc8348]

how do you think this would perform with 2.2s? Or maybe the tall proline 1.9 boggers?

[@HolmesHobbies]

pretty good, probably need a little lower stance though

[@blackbirdrc8348]

HolmesHobbies hey thanks for the reply brotha! Love the products and vids man. Thinking about getting the RTR version they just released. Looks like a great RTR seems to have all the same high quality components as the kit. Hopefully the days are gone where the RTR is a lesser product 👍🏻 same links shocks lights metal insert servo, everything. Keep up with the great work on the vids and products man.

[@tjenkins1126]

I know this is months old, but I run the 1.9 boggers on mine and it's awesome!

[@blackbirdrc8348]

Tim Needs A Hobby nice! Still appreciate the reply!

[@GeddyRC]

Love this guy! Hah, awesome personality. I just ordered a Capra RTR and I plan on putting a Holmes Hobby Trailmaster in there.

[@CarminesRCTipsandTricks]

I would LOVE a Capra.... But as the broken record goes, I can't afford it. 😭 Someday hopefully. Carmine ✈🚂🚙

[@RCTREK]

Florida here, definitely familiar with boulder crawling...the infamous “Sanford Bridge”.

[@tjenkins1126]

Tires: Hyrax Preds and TRX Canyons (cut, they're pretty good actually) Rocks: Live in Phx, AZ. I've got some legit spots within a mile of my house. Motor: 16t 540 (as of right now) Work: Program and run 2 plasma tables and do R&D work for new products to help grow the business I work for.

[@HolmesHobbies]

running plasma tables sounds fun!

[@robertdale7453]

Working on my build now and have the 1400kv revolver motor with a sw3. With some RC4WD wranglers with crawler innovations foams. love your motors I have a pile of 550 cans that i use in all my brushed builds.

[@HolmesHobbies]

Be sure to use the torque limit function on the sw3 for nice and slow startup.

[@brianonthego]

I like your review. Very professional. I so have the Capra in my sights. Subbed

[@markmtbrider]

Cincinnati, Ohio for most of our area , to get rocks involves creeks and such. Have to have a motor that can live in dirty waters.

[@kevinw6282]

16T CM Pro with 12T pinion, HV500V2 & BRXL here. Trying PL BFG Krawler KX to start. Did go to a shorter internal spring shock. Def. curious about the firmware update. Great paint work!

[@lesjonquieres]

Hello, i am from Belgium. Il love Capra ! It Will be my next Crawler. I have my own spot that i bild . Thanks for your vidéos. Olivier

[@adamsouder4836]

Thanks John.. I'm a motor snob now!! 5 slot all the way!

[@tjenkins1126]

Not sure if anyone has mentioned it, but I was able to get to a 9t pinion on my Capra. No cutting or hacking and can't be done with the stock motor. Motor needs to have holes next to one another. X o O (motor shaft) X o X=screws So now my Capra is around 48-49:1. Hopefully the diagram translates in the comments. And the gear mesh is excellent.

[@smallfry1463]

You would pop a blood vessel if you see what I do to these things.. I have a 30+ mph yeti and am looking to do the same with the Capra. Though the carpra looks like it will need quite a bit of modifications. But don't get it wrong I have crazy low end smooth torque as well for crawling where it needs to. Anyways, love the video, your a very knowledgeable fella just subbed. Thank you! And yeah 2.2's look like it would definitely benefit this rig

[@jeeplivion]

The dig is the best party trick though!

[@dennis1979gm]

Im from CA and we have great rock spots around here. Its just lucky they are electric or they would probably ban them here! Lol

[@HolmesHobbies]

Cali has a TON of rocks! beautiful state

[@Dusty2424]

I live in California too

[@vwagon5566]

@@HolmesHobbies Cali===Cali,really no one living or from California says Cali. Really. This of course is my very much own opinion. Really. Honest and honesty my opinion ===

[@TheDeLeonGarageCollection]

6:45 Here’s Johnny!

[@rctrucktalk1149]

We have quite a few good bridge base crawl sites here in PA not as sunny as Florida but then you are under a solid bridge :)

[@Stickies72]

Great video, Am a new sub. I have a Capra and it is amazing, I made a few videos of it for my channel and during those runs I have come to really like how it works. I think this may be Axial's best release in a long time. I have not found the width to be too much of a problem yet, but i have not had it in super tight spots.

[@JViello]

I've got those same 3s 850mah Nano-Techs! LOL I swear to you, the most versatile battery around! They were on "special" so I grabbed a bunch. I've used those things for everything from a park flyer foamy, transmitter pack, 10th scale crawler, BEC pack on my non electric Losi etc etc. Just a perfect size and output to have around. As for the Capra...meh, I don't know. I'm waiting around a bit. I'm sure I'll have one eventually, it's just not something I feel like paying "new release" dollars for. I have enough axles, transmissions, links, motors etc and chassis/cages lying around to build something similar in an afternoon. A piece of me wishes they did an SCX-10.3 type thing and take it to the TRX4, Gen8 etc. They need a newer, relevant trail rig. I don't think retrofitting portals to an SCX-10.2 is going to be enough. Oh, and I'm in Southern New England - CT. Nothing but some of the most beautiful forested land with rock outcrops and granite ledge!

[@rctrucktalk1149]

That is an awesome paint job, looks great very professional.

[@scalebuildersguild]

Very informative review JRH, thanks for putting it out. I tried reaching out on FB messenger, but I have a sneaking suspicion you don't use that! Note on the Dig, you can install the spacer and lock the Dig without zip ties.

[@HolmesHobbies]

I don't use messenger normally. i"ll take a look and see if I can find

[@HolmesHobbies]

I don't know your "real" name, don't know what to look for

[@scalebuildersguild]

@@HolmesHobbies Matthew Kett

[@carlobell2558]

It’s an amazing vehicle. It’s like a spider mated with a another spider, and did it with a goat. And make my Capra.

[@Discofpv]

Any tips on that paint job ? Patten looks cool 😎

[@bilymac2321]

I’m a little late to the party, but I’m currently building a 4-wheel steer Capra. Probably going with a Crawlmaster Sport 540 16T.

[@rileykairc]

am in uk no good rocks around where i live which is a big shame i use hustlers tyres on my rigs they are very good for the price my real job is a motorcycle recovery technition

[@neiljones8284]

Im about a mile from horizon hobby, in Champaign, IL. It's hard to find more than 2 rocks close to one another around here... Missing Memphis and the river bottoms..

[@HolmesHobbies]

My family is from Champaign. Used to have the Holmes Angus farm there until Grandaddy Holmes passed.

[@neiljones8284]

Work at an agricultural lab in town. I would love to get on at horizon in the QA Dept. Here's hoping!! The first farm aid was here in Champaign!

[@smashtj666]

I love your videos......great job man..

[@bucksrcworld8119]

great review, that paint scheme looks so good.

[@boba4588]

Springhill Florida here

[@GrimJerr]

What Foams are you running with the VooDoos. I tries some Stock foams from some Proline tires but I don't think they have enough volume for the Ottsix tire. Drove them in the Snow, and a couple days later noticed 2 tires had flat spotted. When I took the wheel apart and pulled the foams I noticed they were damp. I think the evaporating moisture was causing a vacuum and flattening the tire, because as soon as they were off the wheels they bounced right back to shape.

[@backwoodscustom2838]

I bought a new axial Capra and it was tore up right out of the box so I haven't got to play with it at all yet but I did get some new graphics on it and got some new parts on the way home so I'll be Twenty-One turn new steering servo I got two sets of 2.2 to go on it

[@will400r]

So like a bob Ross. I love it

[@warrenhammerstrom5105]

Using an axe syatem in mine, but would like to go to a 3 gear system with the vader skid and hobbywing fusion to get the C of G lower. Right now there is simply too much weight sitting high up in my cab.

[@ExocagedRC]

Oh man Florida all the time, other than sand, dirt and roots almost no rock is legit except maybe for lime rock. We have concrete here. That magnum motor will happen for mine. I may want the 13t though for a bit more wheelspeed.

[@operation11charlieinc]

REALLY DIGGING THE CAPRA , AWESOME JOB AS ALWAYS BROTHER / FLORIDA HERE SPACE COAST AREA

[@christophero312]

Fl. Here I crawl at a spot called aripeka. #aripekasandhillcrawlers #liftedandgifted. Also just picked up a start to a Capra build

[@kenskens69]

Hi john, I have a Capra with 55T and 10p , I am also using 2.2 tires with beadlock but the fome is from 1.9 wheels, That gives me more real look as a low pressure tire I like it , also I would like to set up my dig but I have no idea how to do it, Can you make a video and how to do that thank you and be safe

[@mikej8832]

If that table gets anymore cluttered we won't be able to see what you're talking about 😁

[@HolmesHobbies]

lol, yeah it's getting out of hand

[@duder280z]

The revolver works great in this rig!

[@duder280z]

Also very efficient. I get really good battery life on 3s.

[@billcox87]

Hey John, awesome review brother! I noticed the servo you put in there, will you still be offering these or is Holmes Hobbies done with servo's? i have several hv500's and shv500's and love them!!!!!!

[@HolmesHobbies]

working on a v3, just having factory problems at the moment

[@neiljones8284]

Everything electric in all my RC's is from HH. Save for the RX.. Yay V3

[@rc-ingaroundamerica8792]

I'm swapping out the 14 tooth with a 11 tooth, with overdrive in the front axle, as for tires I'm looking at the klr-m's or the rc4wd Goodyear's, NC has no rocks on the coast, I prefer 35t motors so far, as for shocks I'm going to the powerstroke with the 5mm longer eyelet, so it drops the cg by 2mm over stock

[@chrisguzman2517]

El Paso 915 we got some great mountains with never ending trails

[@theoalbert897]

Are the portals geared down also and if so is the final drive ratio with that included?

[@parasurveyor]

Id like to put one to the test here in the Ozark moutains in Arkansas where I live.If there is one thing North Arkansas has its rocks and cliffs and bluff.

[@jarbo7818]

John, how can you isolate the voltage for the steering servo and dig servo? I'd like to run a bec for steering but wont that send the same voltage to the dig servo? Thx!!

[@lanemullins1915]

Does anyone else get the feeling that John might actually be a slight bit insane?

[@christopheralexander6147]

Nah, he just has crazy eye. My buddy wade has them, I’m always telling Wade "stop looking at my soul".

[@ekpauly]

He would be a cool dude to smoke with. 👍🏼

[@swapmeetlus4096]

Christopher Alexander crazy eyes Wade? He’s just a tad silly!

[@HolmesHobbies]

Takes a bit of insanity to do this for a job. I make toy motors, it's a bit of a weird life sometimes.

[@lanemullins1915]

@@HolmesHobbies how about us that build wayyyyy too expensive toys and don't get paid to do it? Maybe we're the insane ones.

[@The918OBS]

Mr holmes what size pinon should I run in my capra with the 16 turn crawlmaster? I might have missed you saying!

[@RatDaddy]

Best motor in my opinion is the 1800kv Revolver. Pure crawling magic

[@jimlayhey1965]

will Crawl Master Pro 540 16T work good with capra rtr

[@aaronmcguin3741]

Motor question, I have a mostly stock Deadbolt 2, I want to add some wheel speed, but I only want to run on 2s, I have my eye on the crawlmaster series, sell me a motor John!

[@HolmesHobbies]

If a 550 fits, get a 12t sport. otherwise, 13t 540. I never got one of those models to know if 550 fits.

[@ConsciousnessAndScience]

i live in southcost MA. and we have some decent rocks.

[@traviselliott3042]

Motor Snob, you have made me 1! you keep innovating the industry so much, that I am in a Constant state of asking forgiveness from my wife! Keep it up though, we've been together for 35 years, so she has started to realize that I aint gonna change and she cuts me a little slack!LOL!

[@snyperal]

Great video 👍👍

[@HolmesHobbies]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@CasperRc81]

Come to AZ rocks for life! Stay weird dude I am, people are what they are the “NORMAL ONES” 🙄🤣

[@itsjustzero5422]

Just found your channel. I am looking to get back into crawling. My last rigs were a G-Made R1 and an SCX10.1. It’s been a while. This seems to be a great middle ground. No so scale but ever capable. What are tour thoughts on a SCX10.3 vs Capra 1.9? I am leaning Capra. however, I own a built up black and pink Jeep Wrangler and the 10.3 is absolutely the best looking Jeep body I have ever seen. It would be cool to build a little “mini me” of my Jeep. Lol. That being said I liked my R’s lack of bumpers giving it infinite approach angle. Other then scale points can you talk me out of the Capra? Thanks for the great content. Thanks in advance - Cheers

[@HolmesHobbies]

I haven't had a chance to handle a 10iii yet. But it should be a little stouter on the axles by judging the size and shape of portals. I also don't like the geardown of the capra, total failure of a crawler in that regard. To get past it requires expensive brushless or brushed, wheras the 10iii gearing allows even cheap motors to work well.

[@ka4172]

The new "drug" from Axial,meet your "dealer" ha ha ha!

[@zanehaselden5573]

I'd stick a snubnose revolver in it and call it a day plenty of room to spare and lightweight.

[@spartan360v1]

Is it me or dose this resemble the bomber maybe I don't have great detail eyes but other than portal axles.

[@3mrjames]

What rims would u suggest

[@redline3036]

We are now calling it "The Hand Of Holmes"

[@bluemachine6238]

If your running 2.2 wheels and tires. What motor ang pinion gear would you suggest? Thanks

[@Brian_Mowry__BMOW71]

Great video John! Nice running footage and liking how capable the Capra is right out of the box. I have the Crawlmaster Sport 16T 5-slot arriving today for my "future" Capra!

[@HolmesHobbies]

many thanks for the support!

[@nason43]

@@HolmesHobbies what size pinion for that motor?

[@parasurveyor]

Lol Arkansas has riprap I'm used to that term cause of work civil Engineer and land surveyor but I live in the ozarks so we got plenty of natural to,and alot of courses.

[@harryfp1494]

Denver CO . Nice crawling

[@billderas3420]

Sounds like I screwed up when I ordered the CrawlMaster Pro 13T. But, all the 540 16T motors were on back order. Gearing way down here...LOL. How about Axial coming out with OD/UD gearing at the diffs or portals???

[@HolmesHobbies]

I think that will be a great choice with a 12 to 10t pinion. I'm running stock pinion with the 16t, a 13t geared lower will be even better.

[@billderas3420]

@@HolmesHobbiesFound an 12T pinion; but, have not been able to find a 10T or 11T in a 48P.

[@HolmesHobbies]

@@billderas3420 pretty sure it is 32p

[@billderas3420]

@@HolmesHobbies Oops! Was looking too deep into your crazed eyes...LOL

[@DOWN2ROCKOFFROAD]

When will your servos be back in stock?

[@HolmesHobbies]

working on it. having some factory troubles

[@xxxxxx-rm2pn]

@@HolmesHobbies Those knock off cucks at Reef's cut a deal with your factory, didn't they? Edit: or 3 Brothers RC

[@xd_gangster693]

there was a spacer in the kit to make it full time 4x4. lol but i like the zip tie method better

[@HolmesHobbies]

easy removal :)

[@paulwoolams4007]

real work to do BOOOOO...hahaha..cracks me up ..love your vids..yeah its the only way i can afford to run a few rigs,i cud crawl all day to in my backyard or out looking for new spots to try

[@donaldwilson6209]

Ive installed a Trailmaster 540 Sport 55t and the only thing holding me up is a Radio n receiver

[@johnbray8855]

Nice video! Running a 16T Magnum in mine with a 12t pinion and BR-XL. Nice and slow and really smooth! One question tho, there is some "free rolling" when on a incline. I have drag brake set at 90% and very fast or whatever the step below instantaneous is. Brake holds fine in neutral, theres just that little space between neutral and power to the motor that it wants to just roll. Would this be drag brake or throttle curve issue? Otherwise loving this combo!!

[@HolmesHobbies]

what ESC? bump it to 100% for sure, and use the ramp to control endos.

[@johnbray8855]

@@HolmesHobbies BR-XL

[@johnbray8855]

Think I figured it out..... had my throttle curve over to 70 but only 2 lines up, not 3! LOL!!! So the curve didn't even start going up til about 10. My fault!!!

[@dennis1979gm]

Would love to see how it would do with a revolver 1800 in it!

[@HolmesHobbies]

we have it in the other rig. Or had it in there, already swapped that one to a 2200 puller to try different stuff.

[@KentVanderploeg]

I'm seeing a ton of people running the 13T variety instead, which seems a bit too fast for the application and overall rig gear ratio. Any thoughts on if a 20T will be too slow, or are these guys just craving top end speed?

[@HolmesHobbies]

I think the 20t would be fine for the average crawler. The 13t is the most popular though, it is what I typically run.

[@davidspinney7344]

The 13 turn is very controllable. It's nice to have that extra thump when you need it.

[@chriswalker5336]

Hey John, I have a question. Do you think the Hobbywing AXE 540 FOC Waterproof V1.1 Sensored Brushless Combo w/2300kV Motor would fit in the Capra and be good for crawling and good wheel speed?

[@HolmesHobbies]

Should be fine. The lack of feedback on torque loading still concerns me, I don't know how stout these portals are.

[@yws152]

This or gen8? I love both

[@wiccanfpv]

Mountains in va killer rocks here

[@blkft]

Me? I have fun with my rock crawlers like I do with my woman. Slow in control then Hammer Down when I need to. :)) I like this, may get the builders kit. Looks like it could use a little taller meats.

[@alvinmarin8648]

I ended up ordering electronics before getting the Capra and later finding out it's gear ratio. I installed a Puller Pro BL 540S "Stubby" 2200kv and kit provided pinion. Was this a good choice or should I swap brushless motors?

[@HolmesHobbies]

fantastic match, 10t pinion will make it feel stout if you can sacrifice the wheelspeed. It's nice to have wheelspeed.

[@alvinmarin8648]

@@HolmesHobbies I'll see if I have one. I also need to do a refresher on your castle esc settings video. Needs a little tweaking in a few areas.

[@backwoodscustom2838]

Deep Woods CR Duratrax C3